Rob Mills – Coffee Break

Author, presenter and one of Australia’s busiest personalities, Rob Mills, is a hard man to get a hold of. However, he found time for a quick Bean & Barrel cuppa on the run while heading to his latest—and final—theatrical production.

Mills and close friend and fellow Neighbours alum Natalie Bassingthwaighte star together in Waitress, which is currently playing at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre. It will be his last stage role.

He has played some of musical theatre’s most iconic characters, including Fiyero in Wicked, William Shakespeare in & Juliet and now Dr Jim Pomatter in Waitress. Mills tells Australian Life that he can now retire from the stage a happy man.

“I’ve been really lucky in musical theatre to have already ticked off my …..bucket-list roles,” he confesses. “So, yeah, I’m done! That’s it.”

Mills is engaged to newsreader and podcaster Georgie Tunny, and the couple is now planning their wedding.

After making the top five on the inaugural season of Australian Idol in 2003, Mills’ entertainment career has barely slowed down. Born and raised in Melbourne, he knew at 18 that performing in pub gigs by night after a cricket match or footy game during the day wasn’t going to be a long-term option. He has been kicking goals since making that pivotal choice.

His philanthropic work is well-known as an ambassador for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation, which focuses on bridging the inequality gap in music education. “Our workshops show how inclusive music is. It teaches kids team-building skills and resilience, generating positive changes to neural pathways while improving mood and concentration,” he explains. It’s no wonder Mills and his fiancée chose to support the charity when they competed on The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition.

Mills is also an advocate for R U OK? Day. In his 2022 book, Putting on a Show, he passionately addresses the challenges around masculinity and men’s mental health, encouraging Aussie blokes to open up. “I wanted to break down the stigma and show that it’s okay to voice if you’re struggling. Men can be a bit too proud or fear they are burdening other people, but you’ll actually connect better with people by telling your truth,” he says.

While the show tunes may be coming to an end, Mills will no doubt take centre stage with his community work and whatever endeavour is next.